CMS Delays Implementation Of Power Mobility Codes, LCDs

Baltimore

After urgent pleas from HME stakeholders and lawmakers, CMS decided to delay the Jan. 1, 2006, implementation of new power mobility device codes and draft local coverage determinations.

In an Oct. 14 notice, CMS said it “will delay implementation of the new codes until it has an opportunity to review changes with input from manufacturers, suppliers and other stakeholders” (see story on page 10).

The LCDs, which expand on CMS’ national coverage determination for mobility assistive equipment, also will be delayed so they can take effect at the same time as the codes (see story at right).

In recent months, CMS has rolled out a number of new regulatory and administrative initiatives related to PMDs, resulting in an outcry from the industry.

After issuing 49 new power mobility billing codes in February, CMS shocked stakeholders on Sept. 14 when it revised the codes to add another 13 and modified a number of product testing requirements, weeks after the testing deadline had passed.

Sens. Charles Grassley, Rick Santorum and Arlen Specter wrote letters to the agency asking for a delay. And in a congressional fly-in Oct. 6 — sponsored by the American Association for Homecare, the Restore Access to Mobility Partnership, the National Coalition for Assistive and Rehab Technology and others — more than 50 mobility advocates covered Capitol Hill to voice concerns that CMS was rushing the regs.

For more on the new mobility policies, see Washington Wit & Wisdom on page 48.